Executives at the Warner Bros. film studio are planning to prosecute any internet user caught pirating the new Harry Potter movie online, after scenes from the blockbuster leaked early. The first part of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows hits the big screen on Friday, but earlier this week, the first 36 minutes of the blockbuster was discovered on several download sites.

Bosses at the movie studio are fuming over the leak, and have vowed to take legal action against “those involved”.

A statement from Warner Bros. chiefs reads, “A portion of Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part One was stolen and illegally posted on the internet. This constitutes a serious breach of copyright violation and theft of Warner Bros. property.

“We are working actively to restrict and/or remove copies that may be available. Also, we are vigorously investigating this matter and will prosecute those involved to the full extent of the law.”

The second part of the wizard tale, starring Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, is due to be released next July.